Genetic and molecular analysis of a long-lived strain of Podospora anserina

A genetic and molecular analysis of a long-lived strain of Podospora anserina, Mn19, was undertaken to detect mutations in genes responsible for senescence. In crosses between Mn19 and wild type about 15% of the progeny were long-lived, regardless of the female parent. Molecular analysis of the long-lived progeny showed that none of the strains inherited a mtDNA rearrangement characteristic of the Mn19 parent. Instead, all long-lived strains initially inherited wild-type mtDNA. Over time the mtDNA of most long-lived strains underwent rearrangements, deletions and amplifications. The change over time in the presence of two previously characterized plasmids associated with either senescence or longevity was monitored. Crosses between Mn19 and its long-lived progeny also yielded only a small percent of individuals recovering from senescence. Analysis of mtDNA from crosses suggests that wild-type mtDNA from the paternal parent can be selected over mtDNA from the maternal parent. The life span phenotypes of progeny were not consistent with the hypothesis that mutations in a few nuclear genes were responsible for longevity.